13 minute read
ARTS & CULTURE
SOULFUL CONVERSATION Bukola Balogun’s storytelling transcends traditional music genres
Understanding the SFU student’s muse and lessons learned from her EP
ISABELLA URBANI // STAFF WRITER
It’s been one year since the release of local talent Bukola Balogun’s debut EP, The Chronicles of a Teenage Mind. She also had the opportunity to work alongside Grammy Award and JUNO Award winning producers for her EP. Since then, Balogun said she learned to take the reins more on projects, including more risks musically, finding her sound, and trusting her vision.
Balogun began her music career when she was just nine years old and emerged on the scene in 2018 with her first big performance at The Roxy. Just over a month later, Balogun was a performer at the JUNO Awards pre-show and she quickly garnered the attention of the local and national music scene.
Balogun draws a lot of inspiration from combining a trio of sounds: jazz, 90s/early 2000s R&B, and acoustic soul.
“I’ve really admired artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill, Tiana Major9, H.E.R., and Summer Walker,” Balogun shared. “Their ability to incorporate the guitar into their songs in such a fresh way has inspired a lot of the newer music I’m creating right now.” When it comes to crafting her own music, the guitar is an “essential part” of her music. Jazz chords and harmonies are also a must for Balogun as she is a fan of jazz chord progressions.
However, when it comes to the future, Balogun is looking to tap into afrobeat. Listeners may get a chance to experience this shift this summer when Balogun will release what she’s referred to as her favourite song. Balogun hopes that listeners can appreciate all the individual elements that make up a song. “From the melody, to the lyrics, to the vocal delivery. All the parts of the song help to tell the story. her own “armour,” and coming to embrace the way she looks instead of “altering her mannerisms” and appearance for others’ approval.
What stood out to me after listening through the EP is how it makes you want to dance gleefully. Although each song is unique, it’s clear how Balogun pays homage to various artists. When I listen to her song “Fight For Me,” I feel the same uncontrollable smile creep onto my face as I do when I hear Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On.” When I listen to Balogun’s most streamed song “I Am Enough,” I hear the incredible harmonies that made bands like Destiny’s Child and TLC so likable.
Balogun makes challenging topics, like self-worth, into music beautifully crafted for the ears. Her storytelling effortlessly translates into song, aided by the smooth jazz and R&B backing tracks. Somehow, it feels like more than music. It feels like sitting down with a friend and having a soulful conversation — chronicling the inner workings of a teenage heart.
“I think what sets me apart from other musicians is honestly me, if that makes sense. The way I play guitar, coupled with my musical influences, my writing and singing style makes me unique,” said Balogun, admitting this has been a lesson she learned along the way. “It took me a while to realize that by being true to myself, I am different from other musicians because no one else can be me, but me.”
Balogun’s opening track on her debut EP, “Dear Diary Lessons,” is a testament to coming of age, opening with a near two minute monologue about how the singer perceived herself from childhood to her teenage years. This included understanding that love isn’t always a two-way street, finding
Balogun’s opening track on her debut EP is a testament to the notion of coming to, opening with a near two minute monologue about how the star perceived herself from childhood to her teenage years.
Balogun looks forward to experimenting with different genres in the future.
PHOTO: Victor Tran / The Peak
You can find out more about Balogun by heading to her website or listening to her music.
SHOW, DON’T TELL What The Buddha Never Taught showcases outdated narratives
The “rock opera” didn’t rock my world
YASMIN VEJS SIMSEK // STAFF WRITER
What The Buddha Never Taught is advertised as a “rock opera” and is based on the book with the same name by Tim Ward. Playing at Jericho Arts Centre until July 10, this show was not what I expected. I was imagining something like We Will Rock You meets Waiting for Godot and my anticipated version might have turned out more thrilling than the actual “rock opera” written by UVIC professor Martin T. Adam.
The story begins with characters Tim and Jim arriving at a monastery in Thailand, where they expect to “find themselves” in one way or another. They meet like-minded people and are thrown into the lifestyle of the monks who reside there permanently. But that is about it as far as the storyline goes, with no inclination towards a traditional narrative arc or similar story arcs. Written with the intention of celebrating the “western encounter with Buddhism,” it came across as white people pointing out loopholes in the religion and trying to be lighthearted and funny while doing so. Rather than a respectful encounter, the play delivered tired western ethnocentric narratives. The play rendition of the 1990s book felt culturally outdated to say the least. PHOTO: Jill Raymond / WTBNT Productions
learn the importance of silence and stillness in order to discover inner peace.
When I attended musical theatre performances, I expected the songs to further or enhance the story in a meaningful way. The songs in this show seemed randomly plopped in and was more a fun, musical interlude than a necessary part of the story. There were also very few rock aspects in the music, with maybe two or three songs I would identify as rock and even fewer opera aspects, with zero opera songs. It would have been better to leave it as What The Buddha Never Taught — The Musical to establish appropriate expectations for the score.
My biggest problem, however, was not with the music. As I flicked through the programme before the start of the show, I quickly noticed that out of the nine cast members, there was only one woman and one visible person of colour — who happened to be the same person. It screamed tokenism and realizing just how small her part was only made that feeling stronger. Upon hearing the title of the show, I did not expect to spend two and a half hours on a sunny Sunday, watching white men gather around and joke about one of the widely practiced religions of the world. There is no shortage of western/white voices drowning out the voices of BIPOC cultures and religions. We don’t want to see this repeated anymore, even when posed as a revolutionary or original thought.
When all that has been said, I don’t believe any of this was caused by this particular production of the show. I think the problem started from the book it was based on, published in the 1990s. In a review of the book, local author Michelle Barker wrote, “I felt like much of his criticism was in fact cultural, aimed at a society that he is not from and perhaps doesn’t understand all that well.” Although Barker identified that the book brought up interesting questions about the life of monks, she said most of it sounded like a judgemental monologue rather than a respectful observation.
I think the problem lies in creating a piece of art that does not consider representation or nuance — especially when it could so easily have been much more diverse, being set in Thailand and all. Not only do I expect casts that are true to representation in 2022, I also expect a level of respect for other cultures as well as careful avoidance of cultural appropriation and thoughtful critique. I believe this to be the bare minimum, which I do not feel this piece delivered. I don’t think theatre like that has a place in our century and I believe you have a social responsibility when you put art into the world to be perceived by the masses.
Truly accessible activities for folks to enjoy remotely
HANNAH KAZEMI // PEAK ASSOCIATE
BC has lifted restrictions on masks, vaccine cards, and reduced quarantine times. The impacts of COVID-19 on the lives of people with disabilities and immunocompromised conditions have only increased. These communities are largely being left behind by society, as the heightened risks in public space continue to be ignored by public health. With variants running amok, hospitals becoming overwhelmed, and increasing reports of long COVID, it’s clear the pandemic isn’t over.
Here are some accessible, socially-distanced, and remote events available for people to enjoy safely. Check out these awesome ways to stay connected, entertained, and active throughout the pandemic!
Is your stamina running low from not being able to access your gym right now? Get your blood flowing and try out a new activity at the same time! Barre Fitness offers live and pre-recorded virtual barre classes! You don’t need a real ballet barre to participate — grab a chair, get to a fairly open space, and join a Barre Fitness session from the comfort of your own home. Find a schedule of live Zoom sessions on their website as well as pre-recorded classes on their YouTube channel via their website. Find a session that interests you and try out a new hobby!
Barre Fitness | Admission: free
When: Anytime Where: Virtual
Twilight Drive-In | Admission: varies
If you have access to a car, the Twilight Drive-In Theatre is a great way to watch a movie (or two!) with your friends while remaining truly socially distanced from other groups. Watch one film, or stay late and catch a double feature! Prices start at $25 for one car with one person, and go up by $10 for each additional person in your car. The drive-in also offers deals so that you can maximize your moviewatching experience! Tuesdays are Couple’s Night, where you and your significant other can enjoy a film plus get two drinks and a popcorn for only $42, and Thursdays are Carload Night, where you pay a flat fee of $40 for a car with 3–5 people. So grab your close circle of friends, some popcorn, and your comfiest pillows and blankets to build a movie-watching fort in the trunk of your car. See the schedule of upcoming movies on their website.
When: Every night until further notice Where: Twilight Drive-in, 260th St. and Fraser Highway in Langley
Yyoga | Admission: varies
Yyoga, a Vancouver-based wellness company, offers a series of pre-recorded yoga sessions that you can purchase online. View their packages online and choose from a series of single-session or multi-session workshops. From yoga for beginners to breathwork yoga sessions, they have something for everyone. They also offer a three-day virtual yoga and meditation retreat, which you can purchase and participate in from the comfort of your own home. See their website for a list of workshops and prices.
When: Anytime Where: Online
Honda Celebration of Lights | Admission: free
Celebrate 30 years of fireworks by watching one of three firework shows that take place at English Bay! This year, the shows are all going to be livestreamed, so tune in to the stream on your phone to watch and listen live to the spectacular displays of colour, music, and lights. Play the show in the background while you’re having a chill night in or drive somewhere where you can park your car and take in the show away from crowds while listening in on the radio.
When: July 23, 27, 30 Where: Online
PHOTO: Nazmus Sakib / The Peak
Cristina Liao
PEAK ASSOCIATE
Nancy La
COPY EDITOR MONDAY MUSIC: CHINESE CLASSICS
Many Chinese songs have a place in our hearts as a symbol of home and culture. Some featured in this list are gems that withstood the test of time. Others are classics that many Chinese students would know. Either way, enjoy this playlist of songs that we hold near and dear because every song featured in it is special to us in some way.
By Eason Chan
IMAGE: Cinepoly Records Co. Ltd. NL: Eason Chan is considered to be one of Hong Kong’s top singer/ songwriter, and his songs are always so well written. “最佳损友,” or “Best Bad Friend,” will instantly punch you in the gut with lyrics full of adulthood resignation. The song is about mourning for a best friend who is no longer in one’s circle as life has split in different ways. I’m sure we all have people in our lives whom we once thought would stay with us forever. However, when reality creates irreconcilable differences between two people, there is nothing to do but to drift apart while wishing them the best. The lines that moved me to tears translate to, “I can no longer tell whether we are friends or foes / pushed around and moved by everyday life / in the future, that stranger that I see / is yesterday’s dearest person.”
By Jay Chou
IMAGE: JVR Music International Ltd. CL: “告白气球” by Jay Chou is a song that I’ve been listening to since middle school. The song’s title is word play on the term 告白, which is a romantic confession, translating to “White Confession Balloon” in English. Chou’s music ranges from Chinese rap like “Now You See Me” to pop, such as this song. In fact, both of the mentioned tracks can be found on the same record! Chou is known for his time as a coach on The Voice of China, a singing competition that is extremely popular in both Mainland China as well as Taiwan. This particular song has a cute and relaxing summer feel to it with an uplifting beat and simple lyrics about coffee shops by the sea side. It’s a perfect track for listening on a warm August afternoon or a bedroom karaoke party. It’s one of those rare Mandopop songs that I know all the words to.
By Wang Feng
Records Co. Ltd. IMAGE: Music Nation CL: The title of this song directly translates to In Spring. This is a song that has shaped my music taste to what it is today. I have a distinct childhood memory of listening to this as my family and I drove along the highways of the Californian seaside while we were on vacation. It’s one of those incredible pieces of music that I continually come back to because I am obsessed with the singer’s raspy voice and the tune’s rock-like production. Wang sings about his past and reminisces about a time when he was young and naïve.
By Mao Buyi
化傳媒有限公司 IMAGE: 北京智慧大狗文 NL: This song perfectly captures the various growing pains a person experiences throughout their lives. The song is sung from the perspective of a middle-aged person looking back and forward into their life at the same time, from the moments of bright, seemingly eternal youth, to the heartbreak of moving away from home, the slowly aging body, and finally, the freedom that death promises. While Mao’s timbre grounds the listener, the song’s lyrics washes them with sadness and grief of a life with too many regrets. With lines such as, “Life is bitter and short, why must we hang on so tightly?” this song will make you reflect on the life that you’re living.
By Silence Wang
Entertainment Media IMAGE: The Sound Times CL: I first heard this beautiful song in a popular Chinese drama called The Legend of the Condor Heroes. The show in question is based on an iconic book written by Chinese author Jing Yong, and has multiple editions made from as early as 1983. The production on this has influences from traditional Chinese music with cultural instruments that sound like guqin and bamboo flute found throughout the song, and the style of piano the backing track. Its lyrics are infused with imagery and idioms. It is difficult to translate the song’s title into English because Wang wrote the title as an idiom but my best attempt would be “Immortal Life by the River.”
